Arise Cafe Manager

Position Overview: The Cafe Manager & Workforce Program Trainer is responsible for the daily operation of Arise Cafe while providing hands-on instruction and job training to participants in the Arise & Serve Workforce Pathway.

This is a hands-on leadership position that combines cafe management, culinary operations, staff supervision, classroom instruction, and workforce development.

Principal Responsibilities:

Cafe Management

· Oversee daily opening, closing, and cafe operations.

· Supervise, schedule, train, and coach cafe staff.

· Maintain food quality, portion control, cleanliness, and customer service standards.

· Manage inventory, ordering, receiving, waste, and food costs.

· Oversee POS operations and cash handling.

· Support catering and special events.

· Coordinate with the Events Kitchen for meal production and special orders.

· Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, PPE, and workplace safety requirements.

Workforce Program Instruction & Training

· Provide classroom and hands-on instruction for Arise & Serve Workforce Pathway participants.

· Teach food safety, sanitation, kitchen safety, PPE, culinary fundamentals, customer service, POS operations, inventory, food costing, teamwork, and workplace professionalism.

· Demonstrate proper kitchen and hospitality techniques and supervise students as they practice those skills.

· Provide hands-on training in both Arise Cafe and the Events Kitchen.

· Guide participants through real-world food preparation, meal production, customer service, catering, and cafe operations.

· Provide coaching, feedback, skills assessments, and performance evaluations.

· Maintain training records and document participant progress and competencies.

· Serve as a professional role model and help participants develop confidence, accountability, and workplace readiness.

· Work with the Director of Workforce to identify participant strengths, areas for improvement, and employment goals.

· Assist with preparing participants for employment, including resume development, interviewing, workplace expectations, and job readiness.

Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Working Conditions

Knowledge of:

· Restaurant and kitchen management principles, including operations, staffing, and budgeting.

· Culinary standards, menu development, and food safety regulations.

· Best practices in leadership, training, and employee engagement.

Abilities:

· Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· Capacity to build positive relationships across diverse teams and community partners.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and point-of-sale systems.

Working Conditions: Standard restaurant and kitchen environment. May require early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holiday hours. General exposure to kitchen equipment, heat, and noise associated with food service operations.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

· Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in restaurant management or culinary leadership.

· ServSafe Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of employment).

· Demonstrated success in staff supervision, training, and operations management.

· Strong alignment with Emerge’s mission and values.

Why Arise Cafe?

This position offers the opportunity to manage a working cafe while helping train the next generation of hospitality professionals. The Manager/Trainer will directly impact both the success of Arise Cafe and the career development of workforce pathway participants.